I've read several articles about "transformative learning," a theory of adult learning proposed by Jack Mezirow more than three decades ago. Mezirow defines transformative learning as "learning that transforms problematic frames of reference—sets of fixed assumptions and expectations (habits of mind, meaning perspectives, mindsets)—to make them more inclusive, discriminating, open, reflective, and emotionally able to … Continue reading Transformative Learning: Mezirow & Taylor

Chapter 14 Question 3: Not surprisingly, some methodological choices prompt much discussion and debate among evaluators. For example, Mark and Henry (2006) argue that policymakers are most interested in and most likely to use evaluation results that establish the causal connections between a program or policy and an outcome.  Others argue that policymakers don’t really … Continue reading Causal vs Descriptive Evaluations

Today I finished an article on systems theory.  It's kind of amazing to me that I've never really had systems theory explained before. I feel now like I understand it fairly well, though some things in the article seem contradictory to me (postmodern systems theory?) or unclear (the application to education is highly theoretical and … Continue reading Banathy & Jenlink on Systems Theory

Chapter 12 & 13 Questions 1 & 2 12.1: Why is it important to consider all of the different stakeholders and audiences for an evaluation?  Which groups do you think are typically viewed as most important?  Which are most likely to be neglected?  How could ignoring these latter groups lead to a problem? 13.2: As … Continue reading Stakeholders and Evaluation

This particular article was specifically focused on developing critical thinking skills and dispositions.  I have other articles which likewise focus on critical thinking dispositions.  I'm wondering: can I generalize findings about "fostering critical thinking dispositions" to developing dispositions in general?  Already we have asked ourselves to what extent "developing dispositions" is the same as learning … Continue reading Abrami et al. on Interventions Affecting Dispositions

This article concluded with a quotation by Carl Jung that I like: The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. (Robertson, 1996, p. 50) This article argues that teachers -- especially adult educators -- must "establish educational helping relationships with learners and … Continue reading Jung, Robertson on Transformative Relationships

This article proposes a theory of thinking based on dispositions, rather than ability. The authors suggest that dispositions are composed of three elements: inclinations (motivation, habit, policy): "the person's felt tendency toward behavior X" (p. 4). sensitivity to occasion: "the person's alertness to X occasions" (p. 4); "a distinct perceptual or perception-like mechanism for detecting … Continue reading Perkins, Jay & Tishman on Dispositions

Lilian Katz was one of the early scholars to discuss and define dispositions. As we look into research about learning and becoming, we have thought that one related term is dispositions.  I read a couple of articles by Katz; one (1993) reviewed possible definitions of dispositions before positing her own.  She offers this definition: A … Continue reading Katz on Dispositions

Chapter 11 Question 4: Which competencies in Figure 11.3 are new or surprising to you? Which do you think are most important? Would you add any competencies to the list? The list provided in Figure 11.3 is quite detailed and comprehensive; at first glance, I can’t think of anything to add.  However, perhaps as I … Continue reading Essential Competencies for Program Evaluators

I finished an article by M. Gresalfi on dispositions in mathematics classrooms. She studies four students, two of whom had a teacher who expected, modeled, and continually promoted group collaboration in approaching mathematics, and two of who had a teacher who did not, but focused instead on the individual.  Gresalfi examines how the students' dispositions … Continue reading Gresalfi on Dispositions